Finding a place for your next vacation, where your family gets the perfect vibes of a beach and you get a chance to recess your soul, all at once, then it is time to book your dates for Kochi. Formerly known as Cochin, it is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Be it the LuLu Mall, or the WonderLa water park or the sacred temples, this place never disappoints its tourists of any age- from kids to youngsters to even the elderly.
Kochi is also called as “Gateway to Kerala”. It is a beautiful city that you would be enchanted to visit. You will see a lot of influence of Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese in Kochi. You would be really mesmerized by the architecture and historical sites of Kochi. The city flaunts one of the finest natural harbours of the world and is the centre of the world spice trade for many centuries. Check out more for the best places to visit while in Kochi.
Famous Places to visit in Kochi
- Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
It is one of the eight Basilicas in India. The medieval styled architecture, paintings and huge arches make it one of the greatest tourist places in Kochi. Set up against a backdrop of clear blue skies and with its exteriors painted in white, the church exudes a quaint old charm. And it is not that far! Just 450 m from Kochi Bus Stand and it costs no entry fee!
- Mattancherry Palace
Often called as the Dutch Palace, this beautiful and gorgeous temple in Kochi is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, which attracts the Hindu devotees. The interior walls of the palace is covered with the paintings, which you can’t afford missing. And you can visit this beautiful place for Rs. 20 only for adults and free of cost for kids. But don’t miss your Friday night parties as this place gives its lovers Friday off!
- Marine Drive
Popular hangout spot for the local people, this picturesque beauty drive in Kochi is where one can shop attractive things from their shopping centres. It is also an economically opulence part of the city, built facing the backwaters. The walkway over the constructed bridges make this place an important tourist destination that is a must-visit.
- Fort Kochi
It is the historical part of the city and home to many tourists. The walk to the beach itself is a calming experience – the tall palm trees swaying in the breeze and the cool, salty wind on you face serve to transport you to a different world. The ideal time to visit in on the eve of New Year and also at the time of Cochin festival. Free of cost for the heart-throbbing views of shining sunset over the blue waters.
- Hill Palace
It is the largest archaeological heritage museum in Kerala. The palace contains imperial belongings of Maharajas of Kochi and this makes the palace most attractive tourist places. In this one complex, there are heritage and archaeological museums, along with a deer park and a children play park. With Rs. 12 for adults and Rs. 7 for kids, the time spent here would be much more worth.
- Veegaland
Known for its wonderful theme, this theme park is probably the most happening place to visit in Kochi. It has fun-filled rides, making a perfect place for family outings and relaxation point. The park comprises of many water rides and most attractive place for children where they can dance, play and take the adventurous rides. Do check out the range of prices for different age groups before your visit.
- Kaloor International Stadium
This international stadium lays its base in Kochi, Kerala. Built in 1996, this stadium is magnificent enough to hold a capacity of 60,000 spectators. The stadium serves the purpose of hosting a number of international cricket and football matches. This stadium is also used as venue for political rallies in the city. The floodlights for the night play make it even more attractive and the most appropriate for the cinema events and exhibitions, which are organized here. This stadium has some architectural beauty, not seen in every other Indian stadium. Worth a visit for all those sports lovers out there.
- Jewish Synagogue
The Paradesi Synagogue, is the most ancient synagogue in Kochi in South India. Also known as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue, it can be found in the quarter of Old Cochin known as Jew Town, and is the only one of the seven synagogues in the area still in use. The complex has four buildings which is located adjacent to the Mattancherry Palace temple. Want something more interesting? The Mattancherry palace and Jewish Synagogue share a common wall. When you go out for one place, you check the two very famous and indeed the amazing places of Kochi, off your list, at once. All the shopaholics tie your laces and head here!
- Shiva Temple
This is not only a temple but it is a famous spot, in talks for its prettiest architectural work, and one of the seven royal temples of Kochi Maharaja and the temple which protects the city. Observe and enjoy the marvelous traditional sculptures Museum. The beauty, apart from the architecture lies in the fact that this temple is 800 years old!
- Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple – Heal Yourself
Don’t miss: Worshipping these healing Goddess at the most visited temple located in the south, this highly revered Hindu temple counts in the beautiful attractions for Kochi sightseeing. Any old temple is the same? Not at all. This temple has its roots back to 1500 years old, more than a century and a half years. Here, the locals worship the goddess Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Amman and Keezhu Kavu Bhadrakali Amman, the healing goddesses, who are believed to cure life- threatening diseases by continuous worship. Now, you have to definitely visit this temple, and feel close to the power of God. Relax your souls, take a sigh of relief and mark it off your checklist. No entry fees for his devotees, God has the time of 4:00 pm to 8:45 pm to meet them.
- Kathakali Center
Kathakali is the classical dance and is known for its colorful costumes. The dance form depicts the story from Ramayana and Mahabharata and it is a must visit place. The center runs regular performances. Visit there and embrace the culture of Incredible India.
Kochi- your next travel location
Visit Kochi and embrace the beautiful architecture of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and Mattancherry, build sand castles on the Kochi fort beach, take a sigh of relief and enjoy the evenings. Enjoy the classical dances of amazing Kathakali dancers, evenings at Lulu Mall, shopping at the Jew town, and finally relaxing and healing at the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple. Kochi has got it all for all- from Shopaholics to romantic dinners and to kids playing on the beach and what not.! Head to this beautiful land, in Kerala.
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